upper ball joints removal?

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bigtommy

bigtommy

old school power
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do you need to but a upper ball joint removal tool in order to remove them or will any old wrench work?
 
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Alltrade-648749-Specialty-Joint-Socket/dp/B0028QGT8Q"]Amazon.com: Alltrade 648749 Kit 32 Specialty Ball Joint Socket Tool Set: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XTQDKYQwL.@@AMEPARAM@@41XTQDKYQwL[/ame]

41XTQDKYQwL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


lol amazon has just about everything...lol these look like them
 
You can get them out with a big pipe wrench, but using a socket is much easier.
 
If you are doing upper control arm bushings as well. Just remove the control arm, flip it over and put the ball joint head in a vice. Then turn the control arm with a bar and thread it off that way. Do the same to install the ball joint again. Beats buying an expensive socket or going 1/8th of a turn at a time with a pipe wrench.

Both of which I have done lol
 
The first time I ever did it, I left the UCA attached to the car, and turned the balljoint out using a huge Crescent Wrench. After that, I removed the UCA, and changed the bushings. I like ESP47's idea, too.

Does that Amazon kit actually have the smaller A Body upper joint socket? There are three sizes, and a lot of the time, the kits don't have the smaller one that a lot of the A Body guys need.
 
Some auto parts stores have a tool loan program. Basicly you buy the tool and get a refund when you return it. I would try that route first. Then a pipe wrench if needed. Just make sure to get the threads started good when installing.
 
Soak the threads really well before you start. Let them sit overnight or longer, too,e specially if they look rusty. Some people get the socket and hit it with all the power they've got and destroy the threads.
 
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